Shimla, April 29 -- With its legacy of British-era urban design and meticulous fire safety planning, Shimla has emerged as a role model in disaster preparedness, saving properties worth Rs 223 crore in the past five years.
Relying on the 150-year-old fire manual framed during the colonial era, the town's fire services have not only preserved historical charm but have also proved instrumental in tackling the rising incidents of fire.
The backbone of Shimla's fire preparedness lies in its network of 218 fire hydrants, strategically located across town and subjected to rigorous annual inspections. Before each fire season, particularly summer and winter, these hydrants are thoroughly checked.
While the highest concentration remains around t...